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A heartbreaking final post from NFL and Dallas Cowboys star Marshawn Kneeland has emerged after his cause of death was confirmed aged 24. The defensive lineman, who scored his first touchline during Monday night's showdown against the Arizona Cardinals, posted a poignant message in 2024. On Thursday, Frisco Police Department released a statement confirming that Kneeland appeared to have taken his own life after a vehicle pursuit and search on Wednesday. The Texas department confirmed that he was found shortly after midnight with an "apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound". It has now emerged that one of the 24-year-old's final tweets on X was responding to a heartwarming post from one of his former defensive line coaches, Western Michigan's David Denham. The University of Michigan coach posted a picture last May of a group of players, all smiles, after visiting with the caption: "Always a great evening when the guys come over! #EAT." Kneeland quote retweeted the post from his former coach, along with the caption: "Enjoy this. It goes by fast." It followed on from a picture taken of the draft from ESPN 2 where he celebrated his pick and touted a bright future to his followers, a month earlier. "From 2 star to 2nd round," he wrote. "Thank you everyone for the love and support. We just getting started." Kneeland was drafted by the Cowboys during the second round of the draft last year, playing 18 times for the team including four starts. In his second season with the team, the 24-year-old notched his first touchdown after recovering a blocked punt for a touchdown on Monday. A statement from Dallas Cowboys was released, expressing their "extreme sadness" at his passing. It read: "It is with extreme sadness that the Dallas Cowboys share that Marshawn Kneeland tragically passed away this morning. "Marshawn was a beloved team-mate and member of our organisation. Our thoughts and prayers regarding Marshawn are with his girlfriend Catalina and his family." There has since been an outpouring of emotion from those associated with the National Football League tweeting: "We are deeply saddened by the tragic news of the passing of Cowboys’ Marshawn Kneeland. "Our thoughts and prayers are with his girlfriend Catalina, family, friends and his team-mates." Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule spoke passionately about men's mental health following the death of Kneeland. “Seeing the tragic news out of Dallas today, and understanding that none of us know what people are going through," he began. "That’s why I think we should all be careful about what we say to people. I think we should all be careful about what we tweet about people. I think we should be cognizant of what everyone’s going through. "I think it’s the time in this world to be kind to people, and at the same time, care about people and ask about people. Our generation of kids, my kids, they all just say, ‘I’m fine, I’m straight.’ "You’ve really gotta unearth it. I look at travel and time together at practice as chances to impact young people’s lives. "I would encourage everybody to. I would encourage everybody, today, with your own kids or the people you work with, just to check on them. That young man scored a touchdown just a couple of days ago. "And to the outside world you’d think he’s at the pinnacle. But he was dealing with something — I don’t know what it was. But I pray for him, him and his family." For emotional support, you can call the Samaritans 24-hour helpline on 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org , visit a Samaritans branch in person or go to the Samaritans website.
